May 12, 2020
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says four export abattoirs “delisted” by Chinese authorities have been suspended over “issues related to labelling and health certificate requirements”.
News broke on Tuesday morning that China would no longer accept exports from the Kilcoy abattoir (which is owned by a Chinese company), Beef City in Toowoomba, the Dinmore meatworks and the Northern Co-operative Meat Company in Casino, NSW.
There has been widespread speculation the import restrictions are in retaliation to Australia’s push for an international COVID-19 inquiry.
In a joint statement with Federal Trade Minister Simon Birmingham, Mr Littleproud said on Tuesday the Ministers were concerned the suspensions appeared to be based on “highly technical issues, which in some cases date back more than a year”.
“We’ve been speaking with industry leaders, colleagues and departments overnight to formulate a comprehensive response,” the Ministers said.
“We will work with industry and authorities in both Australia and China to seek to find a solution that allows these businesses to resume their normal operations as soon as possible.”
The move on the four abattoirs follows a Chinese threat to impose an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley exports, which would effectively halt sales to our largest barley market.
China has justified these proposed tariffs with “anti-dumping” and “subsidy” claims, suggesting Australian farmers are benefiting from fuel rebates and drought support measures.
